Origin & Meaning of the Cotton Surname
What does the last name Cotton mean?
The surname Cotton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 33,374 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cotton ranks as the #1,044 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cotton come from?
The Cotton surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cotton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cotton trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cotton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,044 |
| US Count (2010) | 33,374 |
| Per 100K People | 11.31 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cotton
According to the US Census, the Cotton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 33,374 Americans with the Cotton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 51.36% |
| Black | 42.34% |
| Hispanic | 2.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.3% |
| Native American | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 2.75% |
Popularity of Cotton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cotton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cotton surname increased by 1,615 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Cotton
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Cotton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cotton
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